Do you think this would effect an individual's employability?

[Daria]

My 17 year and I have different opinions on this matter.  In the name of impartiality, I will not tell you which side each of us are on.

 

If an individual, over the age of 18, chose to have his or her canine teeth filed into a point, similar to those of a vampire, and wore red contacts, might they experience employment discrimination* when seeking a job. 

 

*Note, we are aware that people who intentionally make themselves look like vampires are not a protected class, so we are not looking for a legal perspective. 

[QueenCat]

Yes

[regentrude]

Absolutely.

 

(I have  a hunch that it is you who agree with me and the teen argues it should not matter, am I right?)

 

ETA: It may be a plus for employment at costume shops, haunted houses or similar.

Edited August 29, 2016 by regentrude

[hjffkj]

Yes, unless they are seeking employment in a place that commonly has people who dress against the norm.

[Arcadia]

Is he applying for a temp job at those Halloween costumes shops that are opened a few months every year?

 

If not, it would make any interview think twice. The red contacts might be more scary then the sharp canine teeth since people do have not so perfect teeth.

[Hyacinth]

Where is this person applying? I can think of very few places where such an appearance would be desirable.

[Daria]

One member of my family is of the opinion that "you all are mean".  

[kitten18]

Yes, I would think that would be a big problem.

[eternalsummer]

lol

[Guest]

Obviously.

[Daria]

Where is this person applying? I can think of very few places where such an appearance would be desirable.

 

This person is either already gainfully employed as a teacher at a Catholic school for girls, or they are a young person just embarking on their career and thus wish to remain open to a wide variety of potential employers.  

 

Do you think fangs would work better in one of those situations than in the other?

[Hyacinth]

One member of my family is of the opinion that "you all are mean".

No, not mean. Perhaps realistic is the word this person was looking for.

[Caroline]

Well, we have such a person working at our Chipotle. But I can imagine it would be an issue at many places of employment.

[Seasider]

Yes

[Daria]

You might be relieved to know that this person has already investigated ear surgery, that makes one appear to be an elf, but decided that it sounded painful and time consuming. 

 

However, out of curiosity, do you think that elf ears would be received better or worse than fangs in the employment marketplace?

[Daria]

Absolutely.

 

(I have  a hunch that it is you who agree with me and the teen argues it should not matter, am I right?)

 

 

Darn, you have figured it out!  What made you suspect? 

[Guest]

Will the person be displaying his canines in a particular manner in order to achieve an effect not intended or desired by coworkers or customers?

 

The red contacts would not be an issue here unless they impaired his vision or caused a safety hazard by distracting people. He would fit right in with all the people with red, purple, and green hair. And contacts are small compared to many people's eyelid makeup so just wearing them would not be a big deal.

 

He can wear his vulcan ears too.

[Daria]

In a follow up question, should I be concerned that my child will be making medical decisions for himself in 6.5 months?  

[happi duck]

Well, we have such a person working at our Chipotle. But I can imagine it would be an issue at many places of employment.

A young woman at our local Chipotle doesn't have fangs but does wear startling contacts.

 

I'm blaming the burritos.

 

;)

[regentrude]

You might be relieved to know that this person has already investigated ear surgery, that makes one appear to be an elf, but decided that it sounded painful and time consuming. 

 

However, out of curiosity, do you think that elf ears would be received better or worse than fangs in the employment marketplace?

 

Oh, far better. They are less conspicuous, can be covered with hair, and do not have the ugly connotations.

[Seasider]

In a follow up question, should I be concerned that my child will be making medical decisions for himself in 6.5 months?

I would be!

[regentrude]

This person is either already gainfully employed as a teacher at a Catholic school for girls, or they are a young person just embarking on their career and thus wish to remain open to a wide variety of potential employers.  

 

Do you think fangs would work better in one of those situations than in the other?

 

I'm sure the Catholic girls school would be absolutely delighted. 

[Caroline]

You might be relieved to know that this person has already investigated ear surgery, that makes one appear to be an elf, but decided that it sounded painful and time consuming.

 

However, out of curiosity, do you think that elf ears would be received better or worse than fangs in the employment marketplace?

If the person is seeking employment at the local mall with Santa at Christmas, I think the elf ears would be a plus. If the person is seeking employment as the Big Bad Wolf at Storybook Land in Maryland, well I suppose the teeth would be better. Unfortunately, the former is seasonal and probably doesn't pay enough to make a living, and the latter is now defunct.

[Daria]

Oh, far better. They are less conspicuous, can be covered with hair, and do not have the ugly connotations.

 

He wears his hair in a 'frohawk (sp?), so the covering thing isn't really an option.

[kewb]

It would depend on where this person is applying for a position.

Nanny-not hiring the vampire

Corporate office - not hiring the vampire

Teacher in a school that is not monster high-not hiring the vampire

Bank-no to the vampire

Any job where you are the face of the company - not hiring the vampire.

 

Halloween shop, record store, art gallery, funky bohemian store, a company that is known for hiring people who dress outside the norm-will probably hire the vampire.

 

Said person is better off sticking with non permanent body modification.

[Critterfixer]

 

 

Bank-no to the vampire 

Well, maybe the blood bank would hire the vampire. :D I couldn't resist.

 

 

[Guest]

In a follow up question, should I be concerned that my child will be making medical decisions for himself in 6.5 months?

Yes, if the provider doesnt demand money up front.

[Spryte]

You might be relieved to know that this person has already investigated ear surgery, that makes one appear to be an elf, but decided that it sounded painful and time consuming. 

 

However, out of curiosity, do you think that elf ears would be received better or worse than fangs in the employment marketplace?

 

Elf ears would be much more versatile, as one also might be construed as a Vulcan.  So this person could widen their, ummmm, appeal by dressing the elf part or the vulcan, depending on the intended opportunity.

 

It would not surprise me to be having the exact same conversations it appears you've been having, in the upcoming years.  Oh my.

[MEmama]

Many "looks" are widely tolerated today that weren't when we were striking out on our own. Whereas my own teenage nose ring was certainly a hindrance, today various piercings and tattoos are not only tolerated but widely regarded as standard issue. However, I'm afraid the look one of you might be going for would still be generally regarded as off putting by the majority of employers, not to mention general public.

 

Not to be mean or snarky at all, but welcome to adulthood. :)

[Daria]

Yes, if the provider doesnt demand money up front.

 

I guess that would be one positive of the limited employability. 

[NorthwestMom]

:lol:

[nd293]

In a traditional workplace, of course.

 

If they're looking for work in a certain type of bar or nightclub or something like a tattoo parlour, probably not. I can't think of many other examples although I'm sure they exist.

[Daria]

In a traditional workplace, of course.

 

If they're looking for work in a certain type of bar or nightclub or something like a tattoo parlour, probably not. I can't think of many other examples although I'm sure they exist.

 

In a follow up question, do you think it's possible that a 17 year might, at some point in the next 60 years, change his mind about where he wants to work, and regret the fangs or ears?

 

The contacts, at least, are removable. 

[Junie]

The red contacts at least aren't permanent.  I would recommend not wearing them to work.

 

Although, I think Bryce Harper tried it once to see if it cut down the glare during a day game.

 

 

[MEmama]

In a follow up question, do you think it's possible that a 17 year might, at some point in the next 60 years, change his mind about where he wants to work, and regret the fangs or ears?

 

The contacts, at least, are removable.

Coming from one who has every colored hair imaginable, facial piercings, etc....yes. My goodness, yes. And quite likely in the next few years, at that. :)

[MEmama]

It's funny how maturity sneaks up on us when we aren't paying attention. And how we are ever so grateful it does.

 

(And in the spirit of honesty, how grateful we can be to have lived our youth as only the youth can)

[Guest]

In a follow up question, do you think it's possible that a 17 year might, at some point in the next 60 years, change his mind about where he wants to work, and regret the fangs or ears?

 

The contacts, at least, are removable.

Not possible. Probable.

[Arcadia]

In a follow up question, do you think it's possible that a 17 year might, at some point in the next 60 years, change his mind about where he wants to work, and regret the fangs or ears?

The fangs can be capped/crowned with expensive but not as scary dental surgery.

 

The elf ears would need to go under plastic surgery which is lots more scary and expensive.

 

I had two teeth crowned due to a bad fall as a teen. Painful and costly but not scary.

[vonfirmath]

You might be relieved to know that this person has already investigated ear surgery, that makes one appear to be an elf, but decided that it sounded painful and time consuming. 

 

However, out of curiosity, do you think that elf ears would be received better or worse than fangs in the employment marketplace?

 

Better. They get hidden in the hair and are not as noticeable.

[Daria]

Better. They get hidden in the hair and are not as noticeable.

 

He has a 'frohawk, so there will be no hiding. 

[vonfirmath]

A good friend of mine's husband -always- wears long sleeves.  He's in his late 50s. When he was a young adult, he was in the Navy and got massive tattooing done. It was "the thing" and "Everyone did it".  It didn't take very long after he got out of the Navy to regret it.  So he always wears long sleeves.  And is very thankful it was not the thing at the time to tattoo faces or hands.

[LMD]

Mum needs to play along! Take the wind out of his individual expression sails.

"Oh honey, you would look adorable with fangs (bonus points if you can find a childhood pic of him in vamp costume), I'm actually partial to them myself, we could go together! I'm sure that any employer will see your maturity through your need to play permanent dress ups..."

[Garga]

Tell him to test it out. He can get pointy caps for his teeth and red contacts and apply for jobs and see what happens. He should be careful not to do the filing of the teeth until after he's tested the waters.

 

There are a few artsy places that might hire him. Or maybe not. Anything that isn't in the arts will not hire him. Filing your teeth down permanently is a mistake and shows very poor judgement, since it can't be undone. No one wants an employee with poor judgement.

[Wheres Toto]

Judging by the piercings, tattoos and other alterations I regularly see in employees in a variety of places, I doubt the canine's would have anyone thinking twice (for jobs in those same places). 

 

The red contacts, on the other hand, would definitely be an issue IMO.  But can't those just be taken out?

 

Now, office jobs? If the canine's are easily noticed I could definitely see them being a problem.  Although I worked in the office for a large multinational healthcare marketing company and we had employees (adults who were definitely past their early 20's) who had very visible piercings (lip, eyebrow, gauges, etc.) and tattoos. 

[Tap]

Honestly the teeth can be fixed too.  Lots of people break teeth and have them repaired. or worst case senerio, he can get them capped.   I would suggest that he save the money to have them put back to normal along with the cost to file them. 

 

If he is going to work with the public, he will have a harder time, but if he gets a job at a call center or other similar establishment they may not care at all. 

 

 

[Anacharsis]

Jobs that most people are reluctant to take due to grossness or lack of respectability will take vampire teeth, the same way that ex-cons and people with face tattoos can get work at the slaughterhouse or picking up garbage, provided they are the cheapest qualified choice. ​High demand jobs in boom-bust fields will also hire vampire teeth, the same way that companies hire engineers with no people skills and programmers with no fashion sense, for similar reasons to the garbage-grabbers and slaughterhouse workers.

 

​Unfortunately, when people are asked to imagine "a good job", they often imagine a job where you are paid a lot of money to work in an office environment for a company people have heard of, during the day, doing something that seems important and impressive but isn't technical or boring, that allows travel but doesn't require it, where you have authority over others but aren't expected to micromanage them, and are ultimately not required to take responsibility for any company-wide problems or risks while still getting a share of the credit; the storied entry-level "Senior Vice Consultant" role. :)

​​​

Risk-averse HR people and hiring committees are the ones who generally control roles like that, and they generally dislike anything that requires them to stick their neck out, including vampire teeth.

 

I suppose if "will not hire" is the answer for vampire teeth, a low credit score, working well independently or as part of a team but not both, 3 glowing references but not 4, and having 11 months of experience in a skill rather than a year, I can see the temptation of choosing the fun route to "will not hire", though. :)

 

I think the best way to see it is as a negative perk; work is available, but there are fewer options and they are for less money, sort of like how people with pets can still find places to rent, but there are fewer options and they are for more money. I suppose much like pet ownership, it's all about determining if the long-term satisfaction outweighs the inevitable disadvantages.

Edited August 29, 2016 by Anacharsis

[DesertBlossom]

Absolutely it would affect employability. Maybe not as much for entry level jobs. But depending on long-term career choicesn it would.

 

This made me think of an article I read a while back. Supposedly the reason a lot of cartel members are so heavily tatood all over their faces is because it makes it nearly impossible for them to get out of the cartel business later. You can't just sneak out and get a regular job when your face is permanently marked to identify you as cartel.

[momacacia]

Elves over Vampires any day.

[mamakelly]

I have a friend who does stunt work. She had to wear those red contacts for a vampire movie she worked on, and the said they were really hard to see out of. I can't imagine anyone working a typical job with them on.

[ktgrok]

Yes, many many many employee handbooks specify no visible body modification, including tattoos, etc. So ones that can be covered by sleeves/hair/etc are fine. Those that can't will not be allowed. 

 

Now...if he has the talent and the skill and the drive to be the VERY BEST whatever he is....and it's a tech field....maybe. Like, the NASA dude with the mohawk. But chances of getting to that point while looking like he walked off a horror movie set are slim to none. Even college interviews may discriminate.